New family treatment court coordinator outlines supports, announces Celebrating Families program

Aubrey Maclear introduced herself as the new family treatment court coordinator and reported the program has five active participants and one case under review. Maclear said referrals were briefly paused during the coordinator transition but have resumed and that participants are showing progress toward reunification.

"Participants come to court engaged and hopeful," Maclear said, adding participants can earn weekly "wellness slips" redeemable for incentives. She said the court team works to reduce barriers — transportation, treatment and housing — and will move forward with planned policy manual revisions and a performance review around the year mark.

Maclear announced a 16-week Celebrating Families parenting program starting Aug. 18 that will include parent and child groups, be supported by volunteers, a family-centered therapist and two CASA volunteers, and is funded through the family treatment court. A participant testimonial shared at the meeting described the program as transformational for that person, saying it "has given me hope and has helped me work towards reunification with my children."